India and Pakistan remain at odds over Kashmir after UN meeting

The UN has long maintained an institutional presence in the contested area, which both countries claim in its entirety

Pakistan requested the Security Council meeting on Tuesday, and it was subsequently called for by China

NEW YORK, New York - The UN Security Council met to consider the volatile situation surrounding Kashmir on Friday, addressing the issue directly for the first time since 1965.

Although the meeting took place behind closed doors, the Chinese Ambassador, Zhang Jun, spoke to reporters outside the chamber following deliberations. He urged both India and Pakistan to "refrain from taking any unilateral action which might further aggravate" what is an already "tense and very dangerous" situation.

The Indian-administered part of the majority-Muslim region, known as Jammu and Kashmir had its special status within the constitution revoked by the Indian Government on 5 August, placing it under tighter central control. Pakistan has argued that the move violates international law.

The UN has long maintained an institutional presence in the contested area, which both countries claim in its entirety, with the areas under separate administration, divided by a so-called Line of Control. The UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) observes and reports on any ceasefire violations.

"The position of the United Nations on this region is governed by the Charter...and applicable Security Council resolutions", said the statement. "The Secretary-General also recalls the 1972 Agreement on bilateral relations between India and Pakistan also known as the Simla Agreement, which states that the final status of Jammu and Kashmir is to be settled by peaceful means", in accordance with the UN Charter.

Ambassador Zhang said Council members had "expressed their serious concern" concerning the current situation in Jammu and Kashmir...The Kashmir issue should be resolved properly through peaceful means, in accordance with the UN Charter, the relevant Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements."

Pakistan requested the Security Council meeting on Tuesday, and it was subsequently called for by Permament Member, China.

Speaking to reporters outside the chamber, Pakistan's Ambassador, Maleeha Lodhi said the meeting had allowed "the voice of the people of the occupied Kashmir" to be heard "in the highest diplomatic forum of the world." She argued that "the fact that this meeting took place, is testimony to the fact that this is an international dispute."

She said that "as far as my country is concerned, we stand ready for a peaceful settlement of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. I think today's meeting nullifies India's claim that Jammu and Kashmir is an internal matter for India. Today the whole world is discussing the occupied state and the situation there."

Speaking a few minutes later, India's Ambassador, Syed Akbaruddin, said that "our national position was, and remains, that matters related to Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, are entirely an internal matter of India...The recent decisions taken by the government of India and our legislative bodies are intended to ensure that good governance is promoted, socio-economic development is enhanced for our people in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh."

He said that the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir had announced measures which would return the region towards a state of "normalcy," without specvifying what that means.

"India remains committed to ensure that the situation there remains calm and peaceful. We are committed to all the agreements that we have signed on this issue."

But without naming names, he stated that "of particular concern is that one state is using terminology of jihad against and promoting violence in India, including by their leaders", adding that India was committed to the principle "that all issues between India and Pakistan, as well as India and any other country, will be resolved bilaterally, peacefully, and in a manner that behooves normal inter-state relations between countries."